Locked nut unlocking socket wrench



0. D. GRAY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 31, 1950 LOCKED NUT UNLOCKING SOCKET WRENCH Original Filed June 24, 1942 Oct. 31, 1950 o. D. GRAY 2,528,430

LOCKED NUT UNLOCKING SOCKET WRENCH Original Filed June 24, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 31, 1950 nane LOOKED NUT UNLOCKING SOCKET WHEN CH Orrin D. Gray, Chicago, Ill.- Original application January 2 1, 1942, Serial No.

428,073. Divided and this application September 23, 1944:, Serial No; 555,494

9 Claims. (01. 81-10) This invention relates to a wrench of the socket L type, and more particularly to the socket itself. A previous disclosure of the features which are special to the invention was made in my application filed January 2-1, 1942, Serial No. 428,073 v of which this case is a division.

The present wrench is adapted for imparting rotation, either way, to a nut with which is associated a distortable spring ring adapted to exert a tension force, directly or indirectly, upon the coacting .bolt whereby to frictionallylock the nut in a selected position of adjustment upon the bolt; in particular the present wrench, while transmitting a turning force to the nut, is adapted to maintain the associated spring ring in a condition of distortion whereby to relax its tension force which otherwise would be exerted upon the bolt. It is possible, by so counteracting the tension force of the spring, to operate the nut, on or off the bolt, substantially frictionfree. At the conclusion of such an operation, however, mere disengagement of. the wrench from the nut will suffice to release the spring ring for full exertion of its tension force so that thereupon the nut automatically becomes friction-locked to the bolt.

It is with a wrench socket having-capacity for operatingas above noted that this invention is primarily concerned. Such a socket which lends itself either to hand or power operation may be produced at small cost and requires little or no attention during a long life Of hard service for which it is well suited. My invention may be embodied invarious forms of which four suggestive examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings "in the manner following:.

Figure 1 illustrates in perspective a hand brace equipped with the present socket adapted while engaged with a nut to distort the spring locking ring thereof;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of one form of nut (partly broken away to exhibit in section certain parts which otherwise would not appear) for which the present wrench socket is particu- 'larly designed;

Figs. 3 and 4 are central longitudinal sections showing one form of the present wrench socket with its operating parts in two different positions;

Fig. 5 is an end elevational view, looking into a wrench socket of modified construction, and Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section taken on line 6--5 thereof;

Fig. '7 is an end elevation looking into a wrench socket of still different construction, and Fig. 8

' other times.

2 isa longitudinal section taken on line 88 of the socket'per se; and

Fig. 9 is a view in perspective of a wrench socket embodying construction which is still different fromthe others.

While'the lock nut presently to be described may be operated with an ordinary hand tool, the maximum advantage will be obtained by the em ployment of a wrench which is specially designed therefor. Forrapid assembly work this is particularly true. As illustrative of certain wrenches which will facilitate easy application or removal of the present lock nut, I have shown herein certain suggestive constructions to which reference will now be made.

Considering first of all the lock nut N shown in'Figs. 1- and 2, this is adapted for coaction with a conventional threaded bolt B upon which it is rotatable, to reach a desired position of adjustmenti The nut which is exteriorly polygonal is formed at one end with a collar 0 through which are opposed slots 8 affording exposure to the bolt inside. Fitted around thecollar is a spring ring Rthaving inwardly extending lugs Z, one projecting within and through each slot for resilient pressure engagement with the bolt. The ring may be of elliptical contour with the lugs formed at its two sides. -:Between the ring lugs and the collar are spaces into which adjacent parts of the ring may be pressed, when properly distorted. thereby elongating the ring in the direction of its normally short diameter. When so distorted, the lugs are shifted away from each other to relax their pressure engagement with the bolt. It is, of course, desirable that this pressure engagement be relaxed during operation of the nut, and that it be restored and maintained at all These objectives are attained by the present wrench socket S Which, as will herein appear, is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms of which four are illustrated and will now be described.

To apply to the socket S a torsional force, the wrench, if hand operatechmay employ a brace Ill having siutable clutch means for engaging and driving a polygonal boss I l at one end of the socket. Alternatively, the socket may be power-operated 'in any of the ways now familiar to the industrial arts. Adjacent it open end the socket walls are inwardly extended at l2 and internally shaped to conform with the polygonal exterior contour of the nut body so as to provide therefor a wrench for applying a torsional force thereto. Slidably fitted within the socket S is a sleeve I3 whose inner end is bridged by a head l4 adapted to receive engagement from a cam l5 which is carried on a shaft l6 that is extended diametrically across the ocket and journaled for rotation in the walls thereof. One end I! of this shaft is extended to a point exteriorly of the socket and formed with polygonal faces to provide a wrench hold therefor. Within the sleeve is a collet comprising, as shown, a pair of sections I8 integrally connected by a narrow head IE3 at the inner end but separated elsewhere by a pair of diametrically opposite longitudinal slots 25. In the region of its free end the exterior of each collet section is outwardly tapered to provide an inclined surface 2| adapted to receive engagement from the lower end of the sleeve which is tapered in general conformity therewith.

A wrench of this description is adapted to engage the nut N whose polygonal body is received within the open end thereof up to the point of engagement with the outer end of the collet. The collar of the nut, including the locking ring R thereon, is receivable Within the collet whose spring sections are engageable with the locking ring at opposite points of greatest diameter thereof. With a tool related to the locking nut in this manner, the shaft I 6 may then be rotated to force the sleeve outwardly, the collet sections being thereby forced inwardly to compress the locking ring and relax the pressure of its lugs against the nut threads (see Fig. 4). With this step completed, a driving force is then applied to the socket boss II to rotate the nut, either way, upon the bolt to a desired position. The shaft I6 is next rotated to permit inward movement of the sleeve, whereupon the collet sections are free to expand once more and thereby disengage from the lockin ring (see Fig. 3).

Referring now to Figs. and 6, the tool here shown comprises a socket S having adjacent its open end interior faces 25 which are formed to co-operate with the polygonal faces of the nut N so a to apply thereto a torsional force in response to turning movement of the socket within which is accommodated an inner socket 21 having an elliptical chamber 28 within which the nut collar 0 and spring ring R may be accommodated. The inner socket is formed with an axially extending shaft 29 having at its outer end radial pins 30 to facilitate hand-operation thereof, this shaft being journaled for rotation within a tube 3| which is extended axially from a head 32 which is secured over one end of the socket S to provide a closure therefor. At the outer end of the tube I provide radial pins 33 affording means for facilitating the application of a rotary force thereto, and also a stop pin 34 which extends outwardly in a direction parallel to the axis of the tube to lie between two of the radial pins 38 whereby to limit rotation of the inner socket 21. As shown, four of such pins 30 are provided whereby the range of oscillating movement of the inner socket is confined to slightly les than 90.

In practice the wrench under description, when applied over the lock nut of this invention, will act to compress the spring ring R when a rotary force is exerted upon the pins 30 for transmission to the inner socket. Inasmuch as complete compression of the sprin ring R will be effected by a rotary movement of 90, or thereabouts, the stop pin 34 will arrest the operation of the inner socket at the right point, assuming, of course, that the wrench is fitted initiall to the nut in the proper position. With the locking ring compressed, the outer socket is next rotated, as through the medium of the pins 33, to effect an adjustment of the nut upon the bolt, either direction. At the conclusion of this operation, the inner socket i rotated back to its initial position so as to permit the spring ring to expand to its normal form, the wrench being thereupon freed for disengagement from the nut.

In Figs. '7 and 8 I have shown a wrench having a socket S interiorly formed near its open end with faces 36 adapted to engage the polygonal faces of the nut N for applying a rotary force thereto. At a point inwardly of it open end the socket is widened to provide a chamber 3? of increased diameter wherein is accommodated two complementary half-rings 38 between whose meeting ends are interposed compression springs 39 tending normally to separate them. These rings are confined in place within a holder 4!! having an open circular chamber whose walls at diametrically opposite points are cut away and formed with facing inclined surfaces 55 which lie opposite similar inclined surfaces 42 formed on heads 43 which are provided at opposite ends of the half-rings. The socket is completed by fitting thereto a head plate 44 from which is extended an axial tube 45 having a polygonally faced interior wherein may be accommodated a shank 46 of similar contour which is projected from a. head 41 provided with radial handles it. Such a wrench may be fitted over the nut of this invention, and when an axial force is applied to the head 4! the holder 40 will be shifted longitudinally to compress the two half-rings 38 thereby applying to the spring ring therewithin an inward radial force at points remote from its lugs Z whereby to relax the pressure of the latter against the bolt threads. Having performed this first step, a torsion force is then applied to the socket S for rotation of the nut N to a desired position, following which the endwise pressure upon the holder is withdrawn to permit it to resume the position shown in Fig. 8 where engagement with the spring ring is no longer maintained.

One further suggestive construction of a wrench which may be advantageously employed for operation of the present lock nut is shown in Fig. 9, wherein I have provided a cylindrical socket S having at its open end a polygonal chamber 5| for the reception of the nut N. Inwardly of this chamber is a sleeve 52 mounted for rotation therein and formed with an elliptical chamber 52 for reception of the nut collar 0 and spring ring R. The normal rotative position of the sleeve within the socket is fixed by a coil spring 53 of which one end 55 is anchored to a wall of the socket, its other end 55 being hooked to a pin 56 which is extended radially from the sleeve to lie within a slot 51 which extends through a distance of about 190 circumferentially of the socket wall. The spring which normally holds the pin 56 in a mid-position lengthwise of the slot may yield to permit rotation of the sleeve through about either way, up to the point of engagement of the pin with each end of the slot. The socket is shown as provided at its inner end with a head 58 through which is extended an axial shaft 59 in connection with the sleeve therewithin, an operating handle 65 being extended from the shaft, as shown.

In use the wrench under description is fitted over the nut, its rotative position being determined. as with the other wrenches, by bringing the longitudinal axis or the elliptical Chamber into substantial alignment with the longitudinal gle operating handle that is connected directly with the'sleeve.

I claim:

1. For use withf-a nut to which is fitted a circuinferential spring ring'in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite-points, a wrench including a nut-receiving socket provided at one end with an interior polygonal nut-receiving portion and having a chamber adjacent the same'in- Wardly of the interior polygonal nut-receiving portion, asleeve fitted within the chamber for longitudinal sliding movement independently of the nut-receiving socket-and provided at one end With'ifi head, a collet arranged within the sleeve and provided with portions located diametrically opposite eachother and movable inwardly and outwardly to compress and release the sprin ring and outwardly tapered to provide inclined surfaces arranged to receive engagement from the other end of-the-sleeve, and a transverse shaft journaled in the socket and provided with a-cam arranged to engage the head of the sleeve for moving the latter into engagement withtne inclined surfaces of the diametrically opposite por -i r tions of the collet. v 2. For'use with a'nut to.-which-is fitted'acircumierential spring ring in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite points, a wrench comprising a nut-receiving socket provided with an interior polygonal nut-receiving portion and having a cylindrical chamber located adjacent and inwardly of the socket with respect to the polygonal nut-receivin portion, a cylindrical cam socket axially accommodated within the cylindrical chamber of the socket for rotary moveme'nt therein independently of the nut-receiving socket, said cam socket having portions located diametrically opposite each other and advancing toward and receding from the spring ring when the cam socket is rotated, said diametrically opposite portions being engageable with the spring ring at diametrically opposite points on said ring to apply a radial force at said points to compress the ring towards the nut for holding the ring in a compressed condition while the nut is being rotated, and operating means for rotating the cam socket independently of the nut-receiving socket. 3. For. use with a nut to which is fitted a circumferential spring ring in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite points, a wrench comprising a nut-receiving socket provided with an interior polygonal nut-receiving portion and having a cylindrical chamber located adjacent and inwardly of the socket with respect to the polygonal nut-receiving portion, a cylindrical cam socket axially accommodated within the cylindrical chamber of the socket for rotary movement therein independently of the nut-receiving socket, said cam socket having portions located diametrically opposite each other and advancing toward and receding from the spring ring when the cam socket is rotated, said diametrically opposite portions being engageable with the spring ring at diametrically opposite points on said ring to apply a radial :force at said points to compress the ring towards the nut for holding the ring in a compressed condition whilethe nut is being rotated, and a singl operating means for rotating the cam socket inde pendently of the nut-receiving socket and for subsequently rotating the nut-receiving socket.

4. For use with a nut to which is fitted a circumferential spring ring in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite points, a wrench-comprisinga nut-receiving socket provided with an interior polygonal nut-receiving portion and having acylindricalchamber located adjacentand inwardly of the socket-with respect to'the polygonal nut-receiving portion, a cylindrical cam socket axially accommodated within the cylindrical chamberof the socket for rotary movement therein independently of the nutreceiving socket, said-cam socket having portions located diametrically opposite each other and advancing toward and receding from the spring ring when the cam socket is rotated, said diametrically opposite #portions being engageable with the spring ring at diametrically opposite points-on said ring to apply a radial force at said points to compress the ring towards the nut for holding the ring in a compresed condition while the nut is being rotated, and means for sequentially operating the cam socket and the nutreceiving socket.

5. For use with a nut to which is fitted a circumferential spring ring in spaced relation to the nut at diametricallyopposite points, a wrench comprising a nut-receiving socket provided with an interior polygonal nut-receiving portion and having a cylindrical chamber located adjacent and inward1y of the socket with respect to the polygonal nut-receiving portion, a cylindrical cam socket axially accommodated within the cylindrical chamber of the socket for rotary movement therein independently of the nut-receiving socket, said cam socket having portions located diametrically opposite each other and advancing toward and receding from the spring ring when the cam socket is rotated, said diametrically opposite portions being engageable with the spring ring at diametrically opposite points on said ring to apply a radial force at said points to compress the ring towards the nut for holding the ring in a compressed condition while the nut is being rotated, a handle having a stem connected with the cam socket for rotating the same independently of the nut-receiving socket and means for limiting the independent movement of the cam socket whereby continued'rotation of the handle will rotate the nut-receiving socket for turning the nut.

6. For use with a polygonal nut to which is fitted a, circumferential spring ring having portions in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite points, a unitary device for compressing the spring and for rotating the nut comprising a socket shaped interiorly polygonally at its open end to fit the polygonal nut to provide therefor a wrench for applying torsional force to the nut, said socket being provided inwardly of its polygonal nut receiving open end with a compartment arranged to receiv the spring ring of the nut, means located within the compartment and composed of two opposite portions movable radially toward each other for compressing the spaced portions of the spring ring, and means operable exteriorly of the socket for actuating the spring compressing means.

7. For use with a polygonal nut to which is fitted a circumferential spring ring having portions in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposit points, a unitary device for compressing the spring and for rotating the nut comprising a socket shaped interiorly polygonally at its open end to fit the polygonal nut to provide therefor a wrench for applying torsional force to the nut, said socket being provided inwardly of its polygonal nut receiving open end with a compartment arranged to receive the spring ring of th nut, means located within the compartment for compressing the spaced portions of the spring ring, and means operable exteriorly of the socket for actuating the spring compressing means, said spring compressing means including spring engaging surfaces located diametrically opposite each other and means for moving said surfaces inwardly with relation to the walls of the compartment.

8. For use with a polygonal nut to which is fitted a circumferential spring ring having portions in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite points, a unitary device for compressing the spring and for rotating the nut comprising a socket shaped interiorly polygonally at its open end to fit the polygonal nut to provide therefor a wrench for applying torsional force to the nut, said socket being provided inwardly of its polygonal nut receiving open end with a compartment arranged to receive the spring ring of the nut, means located within the compartment and including two opposite portions movable only radially toward and from each other for compressing the spaced portions of the spring ring and having cams arranged to transmit a radial compressive force to the spring ring, and means operable exteriorly of the socket for moving said portions of the spring compressing means radially inwardly.

9. For use with a nut to which is fitted a circumferential spring ring in spaced relation to the nut at diametrically opposite points, a wrench including a nut-receiving socket provided at one end with an interior polygonal nut-receiving portion and having a chamber adjacent the same inwardly of the interior polygonal nut-receiving portion, a sleeve fitted within the chamber for longitudinal sliding movement independently of the nut-receiving socket and having opposite side portions tapered to provide diverging inclined surfaces, a collet arranged within the sleeve and having opposite portions provided with diverging inclined surfaces arranged to receive engagement from the inclined portions of the sleeve, and movable inwardly and outwardly to compress and release the spring ring, and means for moving the sleeve for carrying the inclined surfaces thereof into engagement with'the inclined surfaces of the collet for compressing th spring ring.

ORRIN D. GRAY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 669,608 Williams Mar. 12, 1901 783,088 Vaughan Feb. 21, 1905 1,143,127 Mentzer June 15, 1915 1,480,811 Baron et al. Jan. 15, 1924 1,708,147 Miller Apr. 9, 1929 1,925,714 Crist Sept. 5, 1933 2,181,678 Wright Nov. 28, 1939 2,338,024 Bugg Dec. 28, 1943 

